Many people have various reasons for becoming a teacher. However, most every future teacher must carry a love for children and a passion to inspire and educate. Although I have always loved to be around children, it was not until I had my own children when I realized how important education was, and how passionate I was about being part of this process. I love seeing the rewards of teaching by hearing a child acknowledge a new fact that they have learned from you.
When I reflect upon my own education, I distinctly remember those teachers who I looked up to. I specifically recall having a young and very sweet first grade teacher. She is imprinted in my memory because I remember wanting her to be proud of my work. I remember sitting at my desk working my hardest in order to hear her praise my efforts and results. I think the best teachers are those who a child can look up to, and aspire to be like. If you can gain the respect of a child and make them feel smart and worthy, they will work to their full potential for you.
As a future teacher, I must ensure that I am prepared to organize my classroom in ways to inspire my students. I believe most strongly in the constructivist philosophy of teaching. I believe a constructivist teacher should be a guide for the student. My classroom will be full of motivational words and pictures, with bright colors. I want there to be something on every wall that will inspire my students to ask questions. I want my students to think critically with my guidance and support. I feel it is important for my students to feel safe within the walls of my classroom and feel free to explore their environment and create their own learning. Through experiences and investigation, the students within my classroom will continue to take steps forward to their educational and emotional development.
I also believe that children should grow together. Although some students may be advanced, while others may have special needs, I think it is important to start at one point. Occasionally, some students may need scaffolding in order to reach the ability of other students, but through guidance and support I want to allow each child to grow individually. Differentiated instruction will be vital be to help assist students on different learning levels. Moreover, each student’s individuality should be considered when planning activities and molding each activity for them personally. I want to ensure that each student is being challenged, no matter what their starting level may be.
Diversity or disabilities should not be ignored. I want to encourage each child to maintain their own individuality and only be concerned about how they can improve themselves. I would accommodate different learning styles and levels through assessments and individual attention. I believe it is crucial to correspond one-to-one with each student daily. By being aware of where each student stands, I will be able to be more accurate in how I can help guide further improvement.
Although I have taught in toddler classrooms, and briefly in preschool classrooms, I would like to teach Kindergarten. I feel that this is a pivotal point in a child’s life where they are truly beginning to take key steps toward reading and writing and I want to be apart of that, I hope to work along with y co-workers and learn from other teachers. I am aware that there is always something to learn from others and that you should never close yourself off from different view points. Therefore, professional development is crucial in order to reflect on your teaching methods and take steps toward improving.
